New Music: Dr. John, Rhett Miller, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford with Bobby Whitlock, Nikki Lane

A remarkable finale, an unearthed lost treasure and several new studio releases make for great listens.

Artist: Dr. John

Title: Things Happen That Way (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson

Tell me more: At once a genre-defying artist and the very sonic definition of New Orleans' timeless sound, Malcolm "Mac" Rebenack, Jr. — better known as Dr. John — had long spoke about wanting to record a county and western album to pay homage to the songwriters and music makers whose songs had touched him. Rebennack was in the midst of realizing that dream when a heart attack tragically ended his life on June 6, 2019. The Grammy-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Famer who had masterfully fused soul, R&B, funk, rock and blues since the 1950s was only 77.  The good news is that the resulting posthumous masterwork Things Happen That Way (released via Rounder Records on Sept. 23) showcase those final recordings and fully celebrate Dr. John's groundbreaking six-decade-long recording career. The range of material stretches from a wistful take showcasing his distinctive vocals and piano playing on Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away," an urgent reading of Hank Williams' 1951 classic "Ramblin' Man" and a playful take on the Traveling Wilburys' "End of the Line" (the latter bolstered by Aaron Neville's vocals) to his own co-writes with famed guitarist Shane Theriot ("Holy Water," "Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone," "Give Myself a Good Talkin' To"). Willie Nelson joins Dr. John on a R&B-flavored take of the traditional "Gimme That Old Time Religion." The album's closing title track (written by Jack Henderson Clement) is poignant, elevated by Dr. John's rich baritone and sparse piano work. Currently available on audio CD and digitally, Things Happen That Way will be released on vinyl on Oct. 14. Information: Rounder.com.

Artist: Rhett Miller

Title: The Misfit (ATO Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Wilco, John Lennon, Tom Petty

Tell me more: A notable departure from his work with Dallas, Texas' alt-country favorites Old 97's and previous solo work, singer-songwriter Rhett Miller's ninth solo album The Misfit is a rich hybrid of psychedelic pop, indie folk rock and cosmic dream-pop bound by probing songcraft. The confessional "Follow You Home," evocative psychedelic rocker "Heart Attack Days," rootsy ballad "Already There," shimmering "Just When It Gets Good," luxurious "Fascination," reflective "The White Tops" and ardent piano-anchored "Let Me Go There With You" are among the great cuts that find Miller at the top of his game. Information: RhettMiller.com.

Artists: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford with Bobby Whitlock

Title: California Gold (Cliffsong Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, Bobby Whitlock, Derek and the Dominos, Deep Purple's "Burn"

Tell me more: Who knew that following the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Derek & The Dominos, a principal member from each of those illustrious troupes would join forces to write and record a killer full-length album that was never released — until September 2022. CCR drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and Derek & the Dominos singer-keyboardist Bobby Whitlock were joined by bassists Donald "Duck" Dunn and Tom Miller, as well as guitarists David Vega and Mike O'Neill on the previously-unissued California Gold. Recorded at the infamous Cosmos Factory and other area Bay Area studios, the 12-track disc will definitely appeal to fans of classic '70s blues rock outfits such as Humble Pie,  Grand Funk Railroad and the Doobie Brothers. The terrific track listing includes the aptly-titled "Good Times," bluesy "Get Down Fever," soul music mining "It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn," hard-edged "Do Or Die" and soaring "I'm Happy Just Being Alive." My favorite original on the album is the driving "Purple Mountain," an enticing six-minute rocker bolstered by sublime lead guitar work, deft drumming from Clifford along with Whitlock's signature lead vocals and keyboard playing. Information: DougCosmoClifford.com.

Artist: Nikki Lane

Title: Denim & Diamonds (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Loretta Lynn, Kasey Chambers, Nikki Lane

Tell me more: In the wake of the arrival of the global pandemic a parade of talented artists have issued probing and powerful albums that reflect a singular moment in time when the world was seemingly stopped in its tracks. Add Nikki Lane's name to that list of musical greats issuing a standout album over the past year or so. Denim & Diamonds is a wonderful leap forward for the Nashville-based songstress, with a blend of roots rock, Americana and alt-country showcased across the 10-track disc. The album was completed at a unique point just after the last days of Lane's extended tour in support of her 2017 album Highway Queen and after the beginning of the lockdown forcing everyone indoor. Lane enlisted famed Queens of the Stone Age leader Joshua Homme to help bring her vision to life. The melodic "First High" with its undeniable chorus, haunting alt-country ballad "Faded," rousing roots rocker "Born Tough" and defiant "Try Harder" are among the early standouts on the wonderful album. The tender "Live/Love," lusty "Black Widow" and haunting closer "Chimayo" continue the album's firm reach in its last half. Information: NikkiLane.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: William Shatner, Bill Lloyd, Clifford / Wright, Ringo Starr

A field of legendary artists return via outstanding new releases.

Artist: William Shatner

Titles: Bill (Lets Get It Records / Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Leonard Cohen, Brad Paisley, Joe Walsh, Robert Randolph

Tell me more: William Shatner has released a number of celebrated albums dating back to 1968's The Transformed Man. What's so impressive is that how at the age of 90 the famed actor/director/author has released what is likely his most impressive effort. The autobiographical Bill features 14 tracks that collectively chronicle events and challenges of a singular life with compelling candor. The music making equals the cultural icon's ambitious efforts to try and understand the forces at work in his journey; a slew of celebrated artists join in on select tracks recorded during the global pandemic. On the propulsive album opener "I Ride" he taps into the thrill of racing down the road and the freedom that comes with that experience we mostly take for granted. The blues rocker "Made in the Shade" features guitar great Joe Walsh (James Gang, The Eagles) in an enticing effort where Shatner raps with buoyant fervor; in "Masks" Shatner explores the enigma of acting and the "masks" that actors assume in their various roles. The chamber pop flavored "Black Horse" chronicles how a champion horse Shatner had was wrongly transformed into a slave — the artist's obvious guilt about the relationship and how it subsequently led to a deep love of horses and their care comes alive in the song. Other gripping tracks include "Monday Night in London" where Shatner revisits the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst a prog rock soundscape, the gospel flavored "Just Forgive" (with pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph), mortality-focused "What Do We Know" and inspirational "The Bridge." My favorite original of the album is the country-flavored "So Far From the Moon," where Shatner looks back at 1969 when he was hit with the cancellation of "Star Trek," a divorce and was sleeping in the back of his pickup truck in a sleeping bag while doing a tour of dinner theater venues. Nevertheless, he finds strength in the memory knowing that he had met the Apollo 11 astronauts about a year before they successfully landed on the lunar surface. Brad Paisley's flashy lead guitar work and emotive vocals bolster Shatner's reflective reflections on the terrific track. Information: BillTheAlbum.com. 

Artist: Bill Lloyd

Title: Working The Long Game (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Big Star, Tal Bachman

Tell me more: Bill Lloyd's ninth solo album "Working The Long Game" is loaded with songs that feature plenty of hooks, top-tier musicianship, stellar vocals and magic to spare; it's no wonder that the 2018 album release has just been reissued by Big Stir Records and SpyderPop Records so a wider audience can discover this terrific album. Standouts on the first half of the fantastic reissue include the melodic opener "Satellite" (co-written with Freedy Johnston), luxurious "Working The Long Game," wistful folk rocker "What Time Won't Heal" (co-written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame) and baroque pop gem "Wake Up Call." The tuneful "Go-To-Girl," cascading "Yesterday" (co-written by Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, who also plays bass on the track) and glorious "Merch Table" shine on the latter half of "Working The Long Game." "Working The Long Game" is available on vinyl LP, audio CD and streaming on all digital platforms. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Clifford / Wright

Title: For All The Money In The World (Cliffsong Records/BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Greg Kihn Band

Tell me more: This year has seen the release of a diverse parade of special reissues and hidden treasures. Add to that list the Clifford / Wright 11-track album For All The Money In The World. Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, the founding drummer of Creedence Clearwater Revival, has dipped into his so-called "Cosmo's Vault" to release a collection of cuts he recorded during the 1980s with bassist Steve Wright (a member of the Greg Kihn Band). With the rhythm section complete, a number of top guests were brought in to complete the recording. Indeed, the list includes guitarists Greg Douglass (of the Steve Miller Band), Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money) and Joe Satriani along with keyboard players Tim Gorman (The Who) and Pat Mosca (Greg Kihn Band). Keith England sings lead vocals on the project. The previously-unheard material spans from the infectious title track and heartland rocker "I Need Your Love" to the soaring rocker "Lost Pride Fever," mid tempo nugget "I See Your Silhouette" and driving "Lonesome Boy." Listening to the strong tracks across "For All The Money In The World" it's easy to believe a number of these cuts would have graced commercial radio in the 1980s. Information: DougCosmoClifford.com.

Artist: Ringo Starr

Title: Change The World (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: Ringo Starr has released his latest EP, the wonderful Change The World, a four-song disc filled with the beloved artist's hopes for a better world. The spirited opener "Let's Change The World" (penned by Toto's Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather) is melodic to be sure, with Starr's signature baritone perfectly in sync with the song's positive flow. The reggae track "Just That Way" (co-written by Starr with Bruce Sugar) is fantastic, bolstered by a deep groove, lush backing female vocals and the addition of horns to enhance the soundscape. Starr's first-ever collaboration with famed singer-songwriter/producer Linda Perry, the countrified "Coming Undone," soars and is bolstered by some sweet licks and a memorable solo from Trombone Shorty. The EP also features a rollicking cover of the 1954 Bill Haley & His Comets classic "Rock Around The Clock," a swinging version of the groundbreaking single that catapulted rock music into the mainstream; that closing track also features guest Joe Walsh. Information: RingoStarr.com. 

Robert Kinsler